newbie Q about sample formats
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- KVRian
- 1469 posts since 18 Sep, 2004 from Suffolk, UK
Each sampler employs their own format much like car manufacturers make different designs. They all do the same thing in the end, but in different ways. Some claim their way is better, more efficient, easier to handle and understand, but they all do the same ultimately.
Sadly, this means a plethora of formats, not all of which can be read by other samplers. Programs like Chicken Systems Translator and CDXtract have sprung up to try and deal with this, but are not always successful. Much like someone trying to modify their car to look like a Ferrari....not quite the same
Thankfully, most samplers use .wav's as the sample source but then use their own proprietary methods to manipulate them.
When making a choice, don't be too put off by all the different formats as most library producers make versions for all the popular ones.
Sadly, this means a plethora of formats, not all of which can be read by other samplers. Programs like Chicken Systems Translator and CDXtract have sprung up to try and deal with this, but are not always successful. Much like someone trying to modify their car to look like a Ferrari....not quite the same
Thankfully, most samplers use .wav's as the sample source but then use their own proprietary methods to manipulate them.
When making a choice, don't be too put off by all the different formats as most library producers make versions for all the popular ones.
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- KVRAF
- 3139 posts since 6 Sep, 2002 from United Kingdom & Opinions Will Travel :O)
In shortrbet wrote:What advantages do they offer over wav files? Why are sample libraries released in so many different formats?
So they can’t be copied easily – plus the different formats normally get bundled with special instructions to make a custom sample player work with the sample to sound ‘more real’ (sample tank, sonic synth etc.) or more diverse (wusik, cronox3 etc.)
Often the samples are layered, so they respond to velocity changes or have special release loops or sustains – its as much about the programming offered as anything else.
A straight wave = you have to do the work to make it play in your sample player of choice.
A custom sample format, only half or a third of the story is in the wave – often smaller waves can be used as the programming makes up for the rest (though these days its more about mic placements and offering an alternative array of positions to the artist (something not too easy to accomplish with wave alone without the other info)
Best regards,
Spe3d
:O)
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- KVRAF
- 6937 posts since 4 Jun, 2004 from Utrecht, Holland
Wav files (or AU files for Mac users) normally only store the pure sampled data, so that is only how one single note sounds.
When you bundle a set of sample files into an instrument (multiple key ranges, multiple velocities & other articulations) then the propriety format comes in quite handy.
And the copyright issues indeed
When you bundle a set of sample files into an instrument (multiple key ranges, multiple velocities & other articulations) then the propriety format comes in quite handy.
And the copyright issues indeed
My MusicCalc is temporary offline.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
